Lamu County leaders and Bajuni community elders held a meeting to address the escalating border dispute with Garissa County, sparked by the recent posting of a chief from Garissa to Dar es Salaam Point in Ishakani, a location claimed to be within Lamu’s borders. The Bajuni Council of Elders, led by Sultan Omar Shariff, and local elected officials strongly opposed the move and vowed to defend their county’s territorial integrity.
Lawyer Yusuf Abubakar, representing the community, emphasized that the boundaries between Lamu and Garissa are well-defined under the District and Provinces Act. The group plans to present maps and evidence to Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, seeking to reverse administrative decisions affecting the disputed areas. They are prepared to take legal action if necessary, including appealing to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Lamu East MP Captain Rueda Obo accused Garissa County of overstepping its boundaries by extending administrative control 10 kilometers into the Indian Ocean. She criticized NIS Director Nordin Haji, accusing him of using his influence to alter the region’s boundaries.
Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla warned that the dispute could escalate into a regional conflict if not resolved quickly. She called for calm and assured the community that efforts are being made to find a peaceful solution. Sultan Omar Shariff echoed these sentiments, urging unity in resisting any marginalization of Lamu’s people.
